Paying credit card interest on a huge amount of debt is the last thing you want to deal with at the end of the month. Although credit cards allow you to buy products and pay for services at a future date, the privilege does not come cheap. Often, it happens that you might get carried away and shop for more than what you can afford, ending up in a huge debt trap.
The debt has to be paid back within a stipulated time with interest. Failure to do so will affect your credit score and rating that will further affect your ability to borrow funds. A balance transfer is the only option at such a stage. You can convert your debt from a high-interest credit card to one that has no or minimum interest allowing you both time and opportunity to pay off debts at a future date.
Three key benefits of a balance transfer include a lower rate of interest, better credit terms, and efficient debt consolidation in the short term. However, you must also take into account the downside of a balance transfer as the temptation to consolidate debt time and time will spiral you into financial turmoil in future. A balance transfer is not always the cheapest option and you must keep an open mind to consider alternatives like borrowing from friends and family to pay off debt.
The best balance transfer credit cards to consolidate debt are issued only if you have a high credit score and a favorable rating. Your current credit score reflects your ability to pay off debts on time with all interest and dues.
If you are still keen on option for the best credit cards that transfer the balance of the debt, here are a few popular choices.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
One of the best credit cards that transfer the balance of debt for a favorable period of 21 months at 0% APR. You will also enjoy 0% interest on purchases for the first 12 months. A variable APR will be applicable thereafter that ranges from 14.74% and 24.74% depending on your creditworthiness. There is no annual fee for the credit card but you will have to pay 5% balance transfer fee for each transaction with a $5 minimum mandatory.
Discover it® Balance Transfer Credit Card
An attractive 0% intro APR for a period of 18 months makes Discover it®one of the best credit cards that transfer the balance of debt to consolidate your finances. An ongoing variable APR will be applicable in the range of 13.74% and 24.74% on purchase and all debt. Discover It charges a meager 3% fee for every balance transfer and there are no annual fees for the credit card.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card
American Express comes to your rescue with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card, another option for a balance transfer. Note that in comparison to some of the best credit cards that transfer the balance of your debt for more than 18 months, Blue Cash gives you only 12 months. Blue Cash Preferred® Card entails a variable APR in the range of 14.74% and 25.74% after the introductory period is over. Moreover, a 3% balance transfer fee is applicable to the transaction with a minimum $5 mandatory. One of the major drawbacks of Blue Cash Preferred® Card is a hefty $95 annual fee.
BankAmericard® Credit Card
An affordable alternative as BankAmericard® has low upfront costs in comparison to some of the best credit cards that transfer the balance to consolidate your financials. The introductory 0% balance transfer is applicable only for the first 15 billing cycles thereafter which a variable APR in the range of 14.74% and 24.74% is applicable on the amount. The balance transfer fee on an individual transaction is 3% of the amount with a minimum $10 mandatory, whichever is greater. You don’t have to pay any annual fees for the credit card.
If you are looking for availing of a loan, you need to keep in mind that your credit score plays a crucial role in your ability to get a loan. When you apply for a loan, the lender will take a look at the credit score before making a decision, and your credit score will reflect whether you are capable of making the repayment on time.
A lot of loan applications are rejected because of a poor credit score and a bad credit history. However, even with a bad credit history, it is possible to qualify for a loan. In the case a loan application is approved against a low score, it will carry a high annual percentage rate (APR), which may make it difficult for you to repay the loan amount. So, it is important that you compare the different poor credit loan options and go for the one that best fits your requirements.
Here is a list of the top four financing companies that offer loans to individuals with a poor credit history.
LendingPoint
This online lender, based out of Georgia, offers poor credit loans to borrowers whose credit score ranges between 600 and 680. Moreover, it has favorable options for repayment of the loan.
Avant
This online credit lender is a reliable name in the industry and it meets the needs of the borrowers who have a credit score as low as 580. However, for borrowers, it has a minimum salary requirement of $40,000 per annum.
OppLoans
Borrowers who are suffering from a subprime financial condition where they have extremely poor credit histories should opt for OppLoans as they are the only lender in the industry who may process a loan for an individual with deficient credit scores. However, to cover for their risk, they charge a relatively higher rate of interest as compared to the other lenders.
Stilt Inc.
Based in San Francisco, Stilt Inc., is perfect for those people who are yet to build a credit score. This FinTech company looks at various factors beyond the credit score to decide whether they want to sanction loans to individuals.
If you are in need of a loan and have a poor credit score, you may submit a loan application online to one of the lenders mentioned above. However, it is best to understand their terms of lending before you file your application and avail of a loan.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to many health complications. It is recommended to get A1C tests done to diagnose cases of prediabetes, type 1, and type 2. Also, A1C tests help in monitoring the treatment plans for diabetes.
What is an A1C Test?
A1C is a blood test that offers complete information about a person’s average blood sugar level over a period of two to three months before the test. The test results are reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher is the average blood sugar level.
What does the A1C test measure?
The A1C test is used for diabetes diagnosis as well as management. The test can also anticipate the likelihood of someone developing diabetes. When glucose enters the blood, it binds to hemoglobin, a red blood cell protein. The more the hemoglobin is bound, the higher will be the A1C percentage.
Understanding the diabetes A1C levels chart
The normal diabetes A1C range is below 5.7 percent. If your diabetes test A1C range is between 5.7 and 6.4, it is a condition of prediabetes. This puts you at the risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years. However, with proper care, you can delay or prevent the condition.
If your diabetes test A1C range is 6.5 percent or higher, you will receive a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
For people with a diabetic history, keeping A1C levels below 7 percent can help to reduce the risk of health complications.
How to bring down diabetes A1C levels?
In order to lower your score on the diabetes A1C levels chart, you can try the following:
Formulate a plan
Formulate a plan that lists your biggest challenges, such as:
Create a diabetes management plan
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you need to create a comprehensive diabetes management plan that includes:
Eat a balanced diet with proper portion size
You can increase the consumption of non-starchy vegetables. Consume fruits, fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread, etc. However, be aware of the serving size. Also, try to avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and sodas.
Check your blood sugar as directed
Work with your doctor to determine how often you should check your blood sugar level.
Understanding your diabetes A1C levels chart and taking the necessary steps to keep your score low is a significant part of diabetes management. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you have any queries regarding your A1C levels.
You spend a good 6 to 8 hours on your bed, which is why it is really important that you choose your bed’s mattress properly. Purchasing the best mattresses rated by consumer reports may not always lead to the best choice of mattress for your physique and body type. Read on to know how to buy one that’s good for you. Proper sleep can eliminate both mental and physical tiredness, and it is a prerequisite for healthy living. However, it will only be possible when you are sleeping on the right mattress. Remember, sleeping on a low-quality mattress that does not offer proper support can lead to back pain, and even spondylitis.
Most people do not pay much heed when it comes to buying a mattress and end up buying the wrong one. The best mattresses rated by consumer reports may not necessarily be the best for you. How do you choose what works for you from this list of the best mattresses rated by consumer reports? You’ll have to test them out yourself. It’s also a good idea to see if the best mattresses rated by consumer reports conform to or discuss what we have entailed below. That way, you will know how much you can trust the different consumer reports. When it comes to selecting a good mattress, there are two major factors that you need to keep in mind:
The mattress should be able to hold you in proper alignment from head to your toe. This will ensure that you do not wake up with a back pain. The best mattresses should counteract your body weight by pushing up your body. Does that mean that you need a mattress that is hard and firm? No, you do not. Remember that your body is not a straight line, and you do not always sleep in the same way and your sleeping position keeps changing. The mattress should come up to support your curves while you are sleeping on your stomach, sides, and back.
The mattress should be such that your back is always in proper alignment. Even when your hips and shoulders push the mattress down, your back should be straight. If the mattress is too hard, your hips and shoulders will get pushed up and your spine will not be straight. This will result in back pain. On the other hand, if the mattress is too soft, it will give you the feeling of a hammock. You will need to buy a mattress that holds your body in its neutral alignment.
Comfort is another factor that you need to keep in mind. The mattress should not cause any pressure on your body as you change positions while sleeping. Else, you will end up having a bad sleep and wake up tired. A mattress that is too hard will cause pressure on your body and will force your change positions frequently. If this happens, then your sleep will get fragmented and you won’t enter the deeper sleep stages. This will result in you waking up tired and drowsy. While trying out mattresses, lie on it in one position. If you are able to maintain that position for a few minutes without having to move, then you have found a comfortable mattress.
These are the two main factors that you need to keep in mind while selecting among the best mattress rated by consumer reports. There are a few minor factors that are important as well:
If you are sharing your bed, the mattress should minimize motion transfer. If your partner gets in or gets out of bed, while you are sleeping, too much motion transfer will disturb your sleep. Take your partner’s help while trying out mattresses at a store.
Heat retention is another factor that you need to keep in mind. Look for quality mattresses that come with features like ventilation and advanced foams.
If you sleep along the edge of your bed or you sit on your bed, you will need a mattress with a strong edge support. Look for mattresses with foam encasement along the edges.
Keep these pointers in mind while buying mattresses to ensure a good night’s sleep.